Multi-function headboard for patient support apparatus

ABSTRACT

A patient support apparatus comprises a support structure, an articulation system, and a headboard assembly. The support structure comprises a head end, a foot end, a base, and a patient support deck to support a patient between the head end and the foot end. The patient support deck comprises a first section and a second section capable of articulating relative to the first section. The articulation system articulates the second section relative to the first section. The headboard assembly is coupled to the second section to be arranged adjacent to a head of the patient lying on the patient support deck. At least a portion of the headboard assembly articulates with the second section when the second section articulates relative to the first section. The headboard assembly comprises one or more environment controls operable to alter an environment of the patient on the patient support deck.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/204,148, filed on Nov. 29, 2018, which claims priority to and thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/592,946, filed onNov. 30, 2017, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Patient support apparatuses, such as hospital beds, stretchers, cots,tables, wheelchairs, and chairs facilitate care of patients in a healthcare setting. Conventional patient support apparatuses comprise asupport structure having a base, a frame, a patient support deck on theframe upon which the patient is supported, a lift system for lifting andlowering the patient support deck relative to the base, and anarticulation system for articulating one or more sections of the patientsupport deck. The patient support apparatus may further comprise aheadboard mounted to the frame, which may be removable. Often, theheadboard serves only as a mattress and/or pillow barrier and can beunwieldy, and may be misplaced or discarded.

Additionally, current patient support apparatuses have no centrallocation for housing environment controls for patient comfort, such asspeakers, integrated heating/cooling systems, reading lights ornightlights, or handles for patient use. Moreover, some of thesefeatures are typically housed in side rails coupled to the frame, whichusually articulate and thus are not always in an optimal position forproviding sound or access to handles or other controls to the patient.

A patient support apparatus is desired that addresses one or more of theaforementioned challenges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a patient support apparatus.

FIG. 1B is a side view of an articulation system of the patient supportapparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a rear perspective view of a headboard assembly of thepatient support apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of a headboard assembly of thepatient support apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the headboard assembly according tothe first embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an environment control of theheadboard assembly according to the first embodiment comprising a fan.

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an environment control of theheadboard assembly according to the first embodiment comprising aheating/cooling system.

FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating an environment control of theheadboard assembly according to the first embodiment comprising alighting system.

FIG. 3D is a diagram illustrating an environment control of theheadboard assembly according to the first embodiment comprising aspeaker system.

FIG. 4A is a front view of a modular headboard assembly of the patientsupport apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4B illustrates a first configuration of a modular headboardassembly according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 4C illustrates a second configuration of the modular headboardassembly according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 4D illustrates a third configuration of the modular headboardassembly according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 4E illustrates a perspective view of the patient support apparatusincluding the modular headboard assembly according to the secondembodiment.

FIG. 4F illustrates a perspective view of an articulating arm of themodular headboard according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of a headboard assembly of thepatient support apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a front perspective view of the headboard assembly accordingto the third embodiment illustrating operation of retainers.

FIG. 5C is a rear perspective view of the headboard assembly accordingto the third embodiment.

FIG. 5D is a partial side view of the headboard assembly according tothe third embodiment illustrating mattresses of varying heights.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1A, a patient support apparatus 30 is shown forsupporting a patient in a health care setting. The patient supportapparatus 30 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a hospital bed. In otherembodiments, however, the patient support apparatus 30 may comprise astretcher, cot, table, wheelchair, chair, or similar apparatus utilizedin the care of a patient.

A support structure 32 provides support for the patient. The supportstructure 32 illustrated in FIG. 1A comprises a base 34 and a supportframe 36. The support structure 32 also comprises a patient support deck38 disposed on the support frame 36. The patient support deck 38comprises first, second, third, and fourth sections, some of which arecapable of articulating (e.g., pivoting) relative to the support frame36, such as a fowler (back) section 40, a seat section 42, a leg section44, and a foot section 46. The patient support deck 38 provides apatient support surface 48 upon which the patient is supported.

A mattress 50 is disposed on the patient support deck 38 during use. Themattress 50 comprises a secondary patient support surface 51 upon whichthe patient is supported. The base 34, support frame 36, patient supportdeck 38, and patient support surfaces 48, 51 each have a head end and afoot end corresponding to designated placement of the patient's head andfeet on the patient support apparatus 30. The base 34 comprises alongitudinal axis L1 along its length from the head end to the foot end.The base 34 also comprises a vertical axis V arranged crosswise (e.g.,perpendicularly) to the longitudinal axis L1 along which the supportframe 36 is lifted and lowered relative to the base 34. The constructionof the support structure 32 may take on any known or conventionaldesign, and is not limited to that specifically set forth above. Inaddition, the mattress may be omitted in certain embodiments, such thatthe patient rests directly on the patient support surface 48.

Patient barriers, such as side rails 52, 54, 56, 58 are coupled to thesupport frame 36 and/or patient support deck 38 and are therebysupported by the base 34. A first side rail 52 is positioned at a righthead end. A second side rail 54 is positioned at a right foot end. Athird side rail 56 is positioned at a left head end. A fourth side rail58 is positioned at a left foot end. In the embodiment shown, the headend side rails 52, 56 are mounted to the fowler section 40 for movementwith the fowler section 40. The foot end side rails 54, 58 are mountedto the support frame 36 for movement with the support frame 36. If thepatient support apparatus 30 is a stretcher or a cot, there may be fewerside rails. The side rails 52, 54, 56, 58 are movable relative to thefowler section 40/support frame 36 to a raised position in which theyblock ingress and egress into and out of the patient support apparatus30, one or more intermediate positions, and a lowered position in whichthey are not an obstacle to such ingress and egress.

A headboard assembly 60 and a footboard 62 are coupled to the supportframe 36. The footboard 62 may be coupled to any location on the patientsupport apparatus 30, such as the support frame 36 or the base 34. Theheadboard assembly 60 is coupled to the fowler section 40 in certainembodiments described further below, but in other embodiments may becoupled to the support frame 36, the base 34, or other suitablelocations. The headboard assembly 60 is described in greater detailbelow.

Caregiver interfaces 64, such as handles, are shown integrated into thefootboard 62, and side rails 52, 54, 56, 58 to facilitate movement ofthe patient support apparatus 30 over a floor surface F. Additionalcaregiver interfaces 64 may be integrated into other components of thepatient support apparatus 30. The caregiver interfaces 64 are graspableby the caregiver to manipulate the patient support apparatus 30 formovement, to move the side rails 52, 54, 56, 58, and the like.

Other forms of the caregiver interface 64 are also contemplated. Thecaregiver interface may comprise one or more handles coupled to thesupport frame 36. The caregiver interface 64 may simply be a surface onthe patient support apparatus 30 upon which the caregiver logicallyapplies force to cause movement of the patient support apparatus 30 inone or more directions, also referred to as a push location. This maycomprise one or more surfaces on the support frame 36 or base 34. Thiscould also comprise one or more surfaces on or adjacent to the headboardassembly 60, footboard 62, and/or side rails 52, 54, 56, 58. In otherembodiments, the caregiver interface may comprise separate handles foreach hand of the caregiver. For example, the caregiver interface maycomprise two handles.

Wheels 66 are coupled to the base 34 to facilitate transport over thefloor surface F. The wheels 66 are arranged in each of four quadrants ofthe base 34 adjacent to corners of the base 34. In the embodiment shown,the wheels 66 are caster wheels able to rotate and swivel relative tothe support structure 32 during transport. Each of the wheels 66 formspart of a caster assembly 68. Each caster assembly 68 is mounted to thebase 34. It should be understood that various configurations of thecaster assemblies 68 are contemplated. In addition, in some embodiments,the wheels 66 are not caster wheels and may be non-steerable, steerable,non-powered, powered, or combinations thereof. Additional wheels arealso contemplated. For example, the patient support apparatus 30 maycomprise four non-powered, non-steerable wheels, along with one or morepowered wheels. In some cases, the patient support apparatus 30 may notinclude any wheels.

In other embodiments, one or more auxiliary wheels (powered ornon-powered), which are movable between stowed positions and deployedpositions, may be coupled to the support structure 32. In some cases,when these auxiliary wheels are located between caster assemblies 68 andcontact the floor surface F in the deployed position, they cause two ofthe caster assemblies 68 to be lifted off the floor surface F therebyshortening a wheel base of the patient support apparatus 30. A fifthwheel may also be arranged substantially in a center of the base 34.

The patient support apparatus 30 may further comprise a lift system 70that operates to lift and lower the support frame 36/patient supportdeck 38 relative to the base 34. The lift system 70 is configured tomove the support frame 36/patient support deck 38 to any desiredposition. One exemplary lift system 70 is described below and in U.S.Patent Application Pub. No. 2017/0246065, filed on Feb. 22, 2017,entitled “Lift Assembly for Patient Support Apparatus,” herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Other types of liftsystems can also be used, such as those described in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0302985, filed on Apr. 20, 2016,entitled “Patient Support Lift Assembly,” hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the patient support apparatus 30 may furthercomprise an articulation system 72 that articulates the deck sections40, 44, and 46. Referring now to FIG. 1B, a side view of thearticulation system 72 according to one embodiment is shown. Inparticular, the deck sections 40, 42, 44, 46 are shown in aconfiguration in which the fowler section 40 is raised above the supportframe 36, the seat section 42 is fixed to the support frame 36 (such asby welding, fasteners, or the like), the leg section 44 is raised abovethe support frame 36, and the foot section 46 is elevated above thesupport frame 36 in a plane parallel to a second longitudinal axis L2.

The deck sections 40, 42, 44, 46 are pivotally coupled together inseries at pivot joints defined about pivot axes P1, P2, P3. Each of thedeck sections 40, 42, 44, 46 have a first end and a second end. Thefirst end is closer to the head end of the patient support apparatus 30when the patient support deck 38 is in a flat configuration and thesecond end is closer to the foot end of the patient support apparatus 30when the patient support deck 38 is in the flat configuration. In theembodiment shown, the second end of the fowler section 40 is pivotallycoupled to the first end of the seat section 42 about pivot axis P1. Thefirst end of the leg section 44 is pivotally coupled to the second endof the seat section 42 about pivot axis P2. The first end of the footsection 46 is pivotally coupled to the second end of the leg section 44about pivot axis P3.

The deck sections 40, 42, 44, 46 may be pivotally coupled together bypivot pins, shafts, and the like at the pivot joints. Pivot brackets maybe employed to form the pivot joints. Additionally, other types ofconnections are possible between the deck sections 40, 42, 44, 46 sothat the deck sections 40, 42, 44, 46 are capable of moving, e.g.,articulating, relative to one another. For instance, in some cases,translational joints may be provided between adjacent deck sections, orother compound movement connections may be provided between adjacentdeck sections, such as joints that allow both pivotal and translationalmotion between adjacent deck sections. Further, in other cases, thefowler section 40 and the leg section 44 may be pivotally (or otherwise)connected directly to the support frame 36 or other part of the supportstructure 32, instead of the seat section 42.

As shown by hidden lines, the deck sections 40, 42, 44, 46 comprise deckpanels 40 a, 42 a, 44 a, 46 a, removably coupled to deck section frames40 b, 42 b, 44 b, 46 b. It should be appreciated that, in otherembodiments, the deck sections 40, 42, 44, 46 may comprise only the decksection frames 40 b, 42 b, 44 b, 46 b or only the deck panels 40 a, 42a, 44 a, 46 a. The deck panels 40 a, 42 a, 44 a, 46 a may be plasticpanels that snap fit or are otherwise capable of being easily removedfrom the deck section frames 40 b, 42 b, 44 b, 46 b for cleaning, etc.The deck panels 40 a, 42 a, 44 a, 46 a, could also be formed of othermaterials and may be permanently affixed to the deck sections frames 40b, 42 b, 44 b, 46 b. Each of the deck section frames 40 b, 42 b, 44 b,46 b may be formed of metal and comprise structural members (e.g., metalbars and tubes) welded together to form a support framework. The decksections frames 40 b, 42 b, 44 b, 46 b could also be formed of othermaterials and comprise only single members, such as a single panel,frame, or other type of support structure.

A support link 41 extends between the support frame 36 and the footsection 46 to support the foot section 46. The support link 41 isarranged to support the second end of the foot section 46 with respectto the support frame 36. The support link 41 has a first link endpivotally coupled to the second end of the foot section 46. The supportlink 41 extends from the first link end to a second link end pivotallyand slidably coupled to the support frame 36. In the embodiment shown,the support link 41 comprises a pair of spaced apart support arms 43. Inother embodiments, the support link 41 may comprise only a singlesupport arm, or other type of support member (or members) that supportthe second end of the foot section 46 with respect to the support frame36.

The support arms 43 are pivotally coupled at the first link end to thefoot section 46 about pivot axis P4. The support arms 43 may bepivotally coupled to the foot section 46 via pivot pins, shafts, or thelike. The support arms 43 are pivotally and slidably coupled to thesupport frame 36 at the second link end.

The support frame 36 comprises a guide 45 that supports the second linkend of the support link 41. In particular, the second link end of thesupport link 41 is pivotally and slidably coupled to the guide 45. Thus,the guide 45 is arranged to guide sliding movement of the second linkend of the support link 41. The guide 45 comprises a pair of guidetracks 47 that are fixed to a cross frame member 49 of the support frame36. In the embodiment shown, the guide tracks 47 are shown being formedof rectangular metal tubing. In other embodiments, the guide tracks 47may be formed of other materials and may assume other forms or shapescapable of guiding movement of the support arms 43. In still furtherembodiments, a single guide track 47 may be provided. The shape of theguide tracks 47 dictate the path along which the second link end of thesupport link 41 follows during movement of the support link 41. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the guide tracks 47 are oriented parallelto the second longitudinal axis L2 of the support frame 36.

Guided bodies 53 are pivotally mounted to the support arms 43 aboutpivot axis P5 at the second link end. The guided bodies 53 are capturedin the guide tracks 47 for sliding in the guide tracks 47. The guidedbodies 53 are pivotally mounted to the support arms 43 via pivot pins,shafts, or the like. In the embodiment shown, pivot pins pivotallyconnect the support arms 43 to the guided bodies 53 through slots 55.The slots 55 are formed in one side of the guide tracks 47 and terminateat opposed ends of the guide tracks 47. The slots 55 have a shape thatis at least one of linear or arcuate, or combinations thereof. The slots55 may also comprise stepped slots, or slots of othershapes/configurations.

When the support arms 43 are pivoted, or otherwise articulated, relativeto the foot section 46, the guided bodies 53 slide in the guide tracks47, which also simultaneously causes the guided bodies 53 to pivotrelative to the support arms 43. Each of the guided bodies 53 compriseone of a block, a roller, a gear, or other movable elements. In theembodiment shown, the guide tracks 47 are slide-bearing guide tracks andthe guided bodies 53 comprise blocks slidable along the slide-bearingguide tracks. The blocks can be any shape, including box-shaped,spherical, cylindrical, or the like.

Actuators 57, 59, 61 operate to move the fowler section 40, leg section44, and foot section 46. The actuators 57, 59, 61 may be linearactuators, rotary actuators, or other type of actuators capable ofmoving the fowler section 40, leg section 44, and foot section 46. Theactuators 57, 59, 61 may be electrically powered, hydraulic,electro-hydraulic, pneumatic, or the like. In the embodiment shown, theactuators 57, 59, 61 are electrically powered linear actuatorscomprising actuator housings 57 a, 59 a, 61 a and drive rods 57 b, 59 b,61 b that extend and retract with respect to their associated actuatorhousing 57 a, 59 a, 61 a. Hereinafter, the actuators 57, 59, 61 shall bereferred to as fowler section actuator 57, leg section actuator 59, andfoot section actuator 61.

The fowler section actuator 57 is operatively connected to the fowlersection 40 to pivot, or otherwise articulate, the fowler section 40relative to the support frame 36 between a lowered position and one ormore raised positions. More specifically, the fowler section actuator 57pivots the fowler section 40 about pivot axis P1 relative to the seatsection 42. In the embodiment shown, the fowler section actuator 57 ispivotally connected at a first actuator end to a mounting bracket fixedto the support frame 36. The fowler section actuator 57 is pivotallyconnected at a second actuator end to a mounting bracket fixed to thefowler section 40. The fowler section actuator 57 could be pivotallyconnected to these brackets via pivot pins, shafts, and the like. Inother embodiments, the fowler section actuator 57 may be connectedthrough other types of connections or linkages in order to move thefowler section 40 to the lowered position or the one or more raisedpositions.

The leg section actuator 59 is operatively connected to the leg section44 to pivot, or otherwise articulate, the leg section 44 relative to thesupport frame 36 between a lowered position and one or more raisedpositions. More specifically, the leg section actuator 59 pivots the legsection 44 about pivot axis P2 relative to the seat section 42. Owing tothe pivotal coupling of the second end of the leg section 44 to thefirst end of the foot section 46, when the leg section 44 is moved, thefirst end of the foot section 46 is also moved. In the embodiment shown,the leg section actuator 59 is pivotally connected at a first actuatorend to a mounting bracket fixed to the support frame 36. The leg sectionactuator 59 is pivotally connected at a second actuator end to amounting bracket fixed to the leg section 44. The leg section actuator59 could be pivotally connected to these brackets via pivot pins,shafts, and the like. In other embodiments, the leg section actuator 59may be connected through other types of connections or linkages in orderto move the leg section 44 to the lowered position or the one or moreraised positions.

The foot section actuator 61 is operatively connected to the supportlink 41 to move, e.g., articulate, the support link 41 relative to thefoot section 46. Movement of the support link 41 causes the foot section46 to pivot, or otherwise articulate, relative to the leg section 44between different foot section positions. Accordingly, the foot sectionactuator 61 acts as a foot section adjustment device. In the embodimentshown, the foot section actuator 61 is pivotally connected at a firstactuator end to a mounting bracket 63 fixed to the foot section 46. Thefoot section actuator 61 is pivotally connected at a second actuator endto a mounting bracket 65. The foot section actuator 61 could bepivotally connected to these brackets 63, 65 via pivot pins, shafts, andthe like. In other embodiments, the foot section actuator 61 may beconnected to the foot section 46 or the support link 41 through othertypes of connections or linkages.

During operation, when the foot section actuator 61 moves the supportlink 41, the second link end of the support link 41 slides relative tothe guide 45. Since movement of the second link end is constrained bythe guide 45, e.g., constrained to longitudinal movement or obliquemovement, sliding of the second link end away from the seat section 42causes the second end of the foot section 46 to lower relative to itsfirst end by pivoting about pivot axis P3 (assuming leg section 44 isstationary). Sliding of the second link end toward the seat section 42causes the second end of the foot section 46 to be raised relative toits first end by pivoting about pivot axis P3 (assuming leg section 44is stationary).

When the foot section actuator 61 ceases operation, and the leg sectionactuator 59 is operated to raise or lower the leg section 44, the secondlink end of the support link 41 again slides with respect to the guide45. This action is due to the foot section 46, support link 41, and thefoot section actuator 61 essentially forming a single link between thesecond end of the leg section 44 and the guided bodies 53 because thefoot section actuator 61 holds the position of the support link 41relative to the foot section 46 when the foot section actuator 61 ceasesoperation.

A control system is provided to control operation of the actuators 57,59, 61. The control system comprises a controller 67 having one or moremicroprocessors for processing instructions or for processing analgorithm stored in memory to control operation of the actuators 57, 59,61 and coordinate movement of the actuators 57, 59, 61 to move one ormore of the deck sections 40, 42, 44, 46.

Headboard Assembly with Environment Controls

Referring now to FIG. 2A, a rear perspective view of the headboardassembly 60 of the patient support apparatus 30 according to a firstembodiment is shown. The headboard assembly 60 is coupled to the supportstructure 32. In the embodiment shown, the headboard assembly 60 iscoupled to the fowler section 40 and arranged adjacent to a head of thepatient when the patient is lying on the patient support deck 38 (seeFIG. 1A). The headboard assembly 60 may be connected to the fowlersection 40 via fasteners, mating features (such as posts on the fowlersection 40 and corresponding receivers on the headboard assembly 60), orthe like. The headboard assembly 60 may be fixed to the fowler section40 or easily removable. In other embodiments, the headboard assembly 60may be coupled to the base 34, support frame 36, or other suitablelocation on the patient support apparatus 30.

In one embodiment, headboard assembly 60 may be contained within aheadboard assembly cover 31, which may be of any suitable shape and sizeto cover the headboard assembly 60 in whole or in part. The headboardassembly cover 31 may be affixed to the headboard assembly 60 and/or anysuitable component of the patient support apparatus 30, such as thefowler section 40.

In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the headboardassembly 60 is configured to articulate with the fowler section 40 whenthe fowler section 40 articulates relative to the support frame 36and/or relative to another section, such as the seat section 42, the legsection 44, and/or the foot section 46. The headboard assembly 60comprises a headboard body 74 connected to the fowler section 40 toarticulate with the fowler section 40. Owing to the connection betweenthe headboard body 74 and the fowler section 40, the headboard assembly60 maintains a relatively consistent positional relationship to thepatient during various articulations of the patient support apparatus30. For instance, when the fowler section 40 is being raised so that thepatient is more upright, the headboard assembly 60 remains adjacent tothe head of the patient so that the patient and/or caregiver cancontinue to utilize the below-described features of the headboardassembly 60.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, a front perspective view of the headboardassembly 60 according to the first embodiment is shown. The headboardassembly 60 comprises one or more environment controls 84 (not shown inFIG. 2B, see FIGS. 3A-3D). The one or more environment controls 84 areoperable to alter an environment of the patient while the patient ispresent on the patient support deck 38. The one or more environmentcontrols 84 may comprise a fan, a heater, a cooler, a speaker, a lightsource, a noise-cancelling feature, and/or other forms of environmentcontrols. The headboard assembly 60 may further comprise a patientinterface 86, such as a movable bed pendant (as shown in FIG. 2B). Thepatient interface 86 may be coupled to the one or more environmentcontrols 84 to be controlled by the patient (see FIGS. 3A-D).

In one version, the headboard assembly 60 comprises a control module 76to support the one or more environment controls 84. Additionally, oralternatively, environmental controls 84 may be supported or containedin other portions of the headboard assembly 60, separate from thecontrol module 76. The control module 76 is coupled to the headboardbody 74. The control module 76 is configured to be inserted into acentral chamber 78 (see FIG. 2C) of the headboard body 74. The controlmodule 76 may be modular such that control modules of differentconfigurations are capable of coupling to the headboard body 74. Thecontrol module 76 may contain all circuitry and components of theenvironment controls 84 (such as fans/motors, speakers, heating/coolingelements, etc.), and combinations thereof. The control module 76 may bea self-contained unit for one or more of the environment controls 84such that a particular control module 76 may be removed or added to theheadboard assembly 60 and be fully operational without the need foradditional equipment, components, or circuitry. Power may be routed tothe headboard assembly 60 via the patient support apparatus 30. However,in certain embodiments, the control module 76 may have a separate powersource, such as a battery. The control module 76 may be removablycoupled to the headboard body 74 via fasteners, snap-fit connections,press-fit, or the like. The control module 76 may be sized and shapedfor insertion into the central chamber 78 such that the control module76 is relatively sealed about its periphery to the headboard body 74.

The headboard body 74 comprises one or more walls that define ports 80and one or more ducts 82 that define main passageways 83 extending fromthe central chamber 78 to the ports 80. The ports 80 may be in anysuitable position on the headboard body 74. The main passageways 83 areconfigured to direct one or more outputs from the one or moreenvironment controls 84 to the ports 80. In the illustrated embodiment,the headboard body 74 defines two ports 80 and two main passageways 83,as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, but more or fewer ports and main passagewaysare also contemplated.

In one embodiment, the mattress 50 may be flush with the hiddenelevation line 87 shown in FIG. 2B such that it may cover the controlmodule 76 entirely. The ports 80 are located so that they open above thetop of the mattress 50. In one specific example, the ports 80 may belocated approximately 6 inches above the top of the mattress 50 so thatthe ports 80 are above but near the patient's head when the patient islaying on the mattress 50. In embodiments that include the headboardassembly cover 31, the headboard assembly cover 31 will includeapertures to accommodate the ports 80. In some versions, it may bedesirable for the ports 80 to be located below a top surface of themattress 50.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, a cross-sectional view of the headboardassembly 60 according to FIG. 2A is shown, where the one or moreenvironment controls 84 comprises a speaker 103. The speaker 103 (seealso FIG. 3D) may be contained within the central chamber 78. In theversion shown, the central chamber 78 comprises an internal sounddeflector 90, which may also be referred to as a horn. The speaker 103produces sound, which is carried through the internal sound deflector 90into the main passageways 83 via hollow deflector passageways 91. Thedeflector passageways 91 extend from the speaker 103 to outlets 91 a.The sound is delivered from the speaker 103, through the deflectorpassageways 91, through the main passageways 83, to the patient viaports 80. Walls, such as plastic walls, separate the deflectorpassageways 91 from the main passageways 83, except at the outlets 91 a.The use of the internal sound deflector 90 allows diversion of the soundwhile still providing the main passageways 83 for airflow when a fanunit and/or heater/cooler is used simultaneously. The speaker system isdiscussed in more detail below with regard to FIG. 3D.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, a diagram illustrating an environment control84 comprising a fan unit 93 is shown. Airflow connections (dashed) andelectrical connections (solid) are illustrated in FIG. 3A. The controlmodule 76 may comprise an inlet 88 to receive air from the outsideenvironment (dashed lines with arrows are used to illustrate directionof air flow). The control module 76 may further comprise a temperaturesensor 89 for monitoring the temperature of the air. If the temperaturesensor 89 senses a temperature above a certain threshold, a controller91 connected to the temperature sensor 89 may operate the fan unit 93 inorder to lower the ambient temperature for the patient. In certainembodiments, the patient may use the patient interface 86 to send asignal to the controller 91 to initiate the fan unit 93. Once thecontroller 91 has received a signal to initiate the fan unit 93, thecontroller 91 activates the fan unit 93. The fan unit 93 may comprise amotor and blades that pull additional air through the inlet 88, andthrough a filter 95, which may be, for example, a HEPA filter, disposedbetween the inlet 88 and the main passageways 83. The air passes throughthe filter 95 and into the main passageways 83, for eventual passagethrough the ports 80. The filter 95 may be absent in certainembodiments. In certain embodiments, the patient may control a speed ofthe fan unit 93 using the patient interface 86.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, a diagram illustrating an environment control84 comprising a heating/cooling system is shown. Airflow connections(dashed) and electrical connections (solid) are illustrated in FIG. 3B.The control module 76 may comprise the inlet 88 to receive air from theoutside environment (dashed lines with arrows are used to illustratedirection of air flow). The control module 76 may further comprise thetemperature sensor 89 for monitoring the temperature of the air. If thetemperature sensor 89 senses a temperature above or below a certainthreshold, the controller 91 connected to the temperature sensor 89 mayoperate the heating/cooling system in order to lower or raise theambient temperature for the patient. In certain embodiments, the patientmay use the patient interface 86 to send a signal to the controller 91to operate the heating/cooling system. Once the controller 91 hasreceived a signal to operate the heating/cooling system, the controller91 activates a heating/cooling element 97. In some embodiments, theheating/cooling element 97 may comprise a resistive heating element, athermoelectric device (such as a Peltier device), or other suitableheating and/or cooling elements. The heating/cooling element 97 heats orcools the air received from the inlet 88. The heating/cooling element 97is disposed between the inlet 88 and the main passageways 83. Theheated/cooled air passes through the main passageways 83 for eventualpassage through the ports 80. Filter 95 may filter the air before orafter the air is heated/cooled and may be absent in some embodiments. Incertain embodiments, the patient may use the patient interface 86 toincrease/decrease the ambient temperature. In some embodiments, theremay be preset limits on the temperature to avoid excessively high or lowtemperatures that might endanger the patient.

Referring now to FIG. 3C, a diagram illustrating an environment control84 comprising a lighting system is shown. The control module 76comprises the controller 91 and a light source 99. The patient may usethe patient interface 86 to send a signal to the controller 91 tooperate the lighting system. The controller 91 activates the lightsource 99, which produces light. The light source 99 sends the light toone or more optic cables 101 (dashed lines with arrows are used toillustrate direction of the light) within the main passageways 83, foreventual passage through the ports 80. Using optic cables 101 eliminatesthe need for electrical circuitry through the main passageways 83 up tothe ports 80. It also allows for upgrading the light source 99 easilyand inexpensively. Other light sources and structure for routing lightfrom the light source to the patient are also contemplated.

Referring now to FIG. 3D, a diagram illustrating an environment control84 comprising a speaker system is shown. The control module 76 comprisesthe controller 91 and the speaker 103 discussed above. The patient mayuse the patient interface 86 to send a signal to the controller 91 tooperate the speaker system. The controller 91 activates the speaker 103,which produces sound. The speaker 103 sends the sound (dashed lines witharrows are used to illustrate direction of the sound) through theinternal sound deflector 90 into the main passageways 83 via the hollowdeflector passageways 91. The sound is delivered to the patient via theports 80. In certain embodiments, the patient may control a volume ofthe speaker 103 using the patient interface 86. In some embodiments, thevolume of the speaker 103 may have preset limits to avoid excessivelyhigh volumes that might disturb other patients or interfere withcaregivers' ability to hear important information (e.g., intercomannouncements, vital sounds, code alerts, etc.).

It will be understood that any combination of environment controls 84may be integrated into a single headboard 60 within a single module, orintegrated into a single headboard 60 or multiple headboards 60 withinmultiple, separate modules. It should also be appreciated that althoughairflow, light, and sound are illustrated as all being routed from thecontrol module 76 to the same ports 80, separate ports 80 and/orseparate main passageways 82 may be provided to separately routeairflow, light, and/or sound to the patient. Various combinations ofports, passageways, and environment controls are contemplated.

Referring again to FIG. 2B, the headboard assembly 60 may furthercomprise one or more retainers 94 coupled to the headboard body 74. Theretainers 94 may be configured to retain pillows and/or mattress 50. Theretainers 94 may be made of a rubber-like membrane or other non-slipmaterial. The retainers 94 are described in more detail below withreference to FIG. 5B.

The headboard assembly 60 may further comprise one or more patienthandles 92 that are arranged to be grasped by the patient when lying onthe patient support deck 38. The patient handles 92 may be arranged onthe headboard body 74 (as shown) or any other suitable location. Thepatient handles 92 may optionally be used for holding physical therapybands or restraints, or for management of patient lines such as oxygenand IV lines. The patient handles 92 may be used by the patient forself-readjustment on the patient support deck 38 after the patient hasslipped or is in an otherwise uncomfortable position. The headboardassembly 60 may further comprise one or more charging ports 96, such asUSB ports, or other data/power ports. The charging ports 96 may belocated in any suitable position on the headboard assembly 60 that iseasily accessible to the patient, such as, for instance, on theheadboard body 74. The charging ports 96 may be used for chargingportable electronic devices.

Headboard Assembly with Articulating Arm

Referring now to FIG. 4A, the headboard assembly 60 according to asecond embodiment is shown. The headboard assembly 60 may be coupled tothe support structure 32 in the same manner as previously described forthe first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the headboard assembly60 is coupled to the fowler section 40 and arranged adjacent to a headof the patient when the patient is lying on the patient support deck 38(see FIG. 1A) such that the headboard assembly 60 moves in conjunctionwith the fowler section 40. In other embodiments, the headboard assembly60 may be coupled to the base 34, support frame 36, or other suitablelocation on the patient support apparatus 30.

The headboard assembly 60 may comprise a headboard body 98 and one ormore modular headboard sections 100. Each of the modular headboardsections 100 is coupled to an articulating arm 102 (see also FIGS.4B-C). The articulating arm 102 may be configured to articulateindependently of the articulation between the fowler section 40 and thesupport frame 36 and/or between the fowler section 40 and anothersection, such as the seat section 42, the leg section 44, and/or thefoot section 46. The articulating arm 102 is configured to articulate toallow movement of the modular headboard section 100 into a variety ofconfigurations. Although two modular headboard sections 100 areillustrated, only one will be described in detail.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, a first configuration of the modular headboard100 is shown. The articulating arm 102 may be configured to articulateto allow movement of the modular headboard section 100 into the firstconfiguration. In the first configuration, the modular headboard section100 is articulated away from the fowler section 40 and toward the footend of patient support apparatus 30. The modular headboard section 100is further pivoted approximately 90 degrees to provide a functional worksurface for a caregiver. In the first configuration, the caregiver canuse the modular headboard section 100 as a temporary tray or table forwriting or for placing various items while working with the patient. Insome versions, the modular headboard section 100 comprises a clip Cintegrated into the modular headboard section 100. The clip C, or otherform of bracket or securing mechanism, is provided for holding items,such as paperwork, books, magazines, portable electronic devices, andthe like. The clip C may be like that used on clipboards and comprises aclamp pivotally mounted to a surface of the modular headboard section100 and biased into a clamped state by a spring (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 4C, a second configuration of the modularheadboard section 100 is shown. The articulating arm 102 may beconfigured to articulate to allow movement of the modular headboardsection 100 into the second configuration. In the second configuration,the modular headboard section 100 is articulated away from the fowlersection 40 and toward the foot end of patient apparatus 30. The modularheadboard section 100 is further pivoted approximately 180 degrees toprovide a functional work surface for the patient positioned on thepatient support deck 38. In the second configuration, the patient canuse the modular headboard section 100 (including the clip C) as a worksurface for holding a portable electronic device such as a cell phone ora tablet, books or other reading material, a bed pendant, or patientlines (e.g., IV lines).

Referring now to FIG. 4D, a third configuration of the modular headboard100 is shown. The articulating arm 102 may be configured to articulateto allow movement of the modular headboard section 100 into the thirdconfiguration. In the third configuration, the modular headboard section100 is articulated away from the fowler section 40 and toward the sideof patient support apparatus 30. The modular headboard section 100 isfurther pivoted to be adjacent to side rail 56. In the thirdconfiguration, the patient can use the modular headboard section 100,and the patient handle 104 thereof, as an additional ingress/egress aidto assist the patient entering or exiting patient support apparatus 30.The position of the modular headboard section 100 provides a moreergonomic hand placement. The third configuration may also be used whenthe patient is already lying on the patient support deck 38, to assistthe patient with self-readjustment on the patient support deck 38 afterthe patient has slipped or is in an otherwise uncomfortable position.

Referring now to FIGS. 4E-4F, views of the articulating arm 102 attachedto the modular headboard section 100 according the second embodiment areshown. FIG. 4E illustrates a perspective view of the patient supportapparatus 30, including the modular headboard assembly according to thesecond embodiment is shown. FIG. 4F shows a perspective view of thearticulating arm 102 attached to the modular headboard section 100.

In the embodiment shown, the articulating arm 102 is mounted to thefowler section 40 via mounting bracket 105 at a first joint 107, whichmay be a ball and socket joint or other type of joint, that allows thearticulating arm 102 to pivot about the mounting bracket 105. In otherembodiments, the articulating arm 102 may be mounted directly to thesupport frame 36 or any other suitable location on the patient supportapparatus 30.

The articulating arm 102 is mounted to the modular headboard section 100at a second joint 109, which may be a ball and socket joint or othertype of joint, which allows the modular headboard section 100 to pivotabout the articulating arm 102 into the various configurations describedherein. Additional and/or alternative joints, such as joint 115, may beprovided along the articulating arm 102 to provide additional freedom ofmovement of the modular headboard section 100 to place the modularheadboard section 100 into the various configuration shown or otherconfigurations.

Locks (not shown) may be associated with the joints to lock the jointsfrom movement once the modular headboard section 100 is placed in adesired configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the joints may beformed with sufficient friction to hold the modular headboard section100 in any configuration in which it is positioned so that the modularheadboard section 100 remains at the desired configuration untilactively moved. Furthermore, the headboard body 98, fowler section 40,or other locations may comprise a receiver 111 (see FIG. 4D) sized andshaped to receive the modular headboard section 100 in certainconfigurations so that the modular headboard section 100 is constrainedfrom movement in one or more degrees of freedom. For instance, thereceiver 111 may comprise a pocket sized for slidably receiving a bottomportion of the modular headboard section 100 to limit lateral movementof the modular headboard section 100 when used for ingress/egress.Although use of the receiver 111 is shown in the illustrated embodimentof FIG. 4D, it will be understood that any suitable means of supportingthe articulating arm 102 may be used instead of or in addition to thereceiver 111. After the modular headboard 100 has been moved into thefirst, second, or third configurations, the patient or the nurse can usethe articulating arm 102 to rotate the modular headboard 100 back into astowed position on the headboard assembly 60.

In one embodiment, modular headboard 100 may not be attached to thearticulating arm 102. Instead, the modular headboard 100 may be entirelyindependent from the patient support apparatus 30 and may simply bestowed on the headboard assembly 60 and removed and used as needed bythe patient or caregiver.

The headboard assembly 60 may further comprise one or more patienthandles 104 that are arranged to be grasped by the patient when thepatient is lying on the patient support deck 38. The patient handles 104may be arranged on the modular headboard section 100 (as shown) or anyother suitable location. The patient handles 104 may optionally be usedfor holding physical therapy bands or restraints, or for management ofpatient lines such as oxygen and IV lines. Alternatively or in addition,the headboard assembly 60 may further comprise a separate linemanagement loop 106, which may be used to retain and manage patientlines such as oxygen and IV lines. The patient handles 104 may be usedby the patient for self-readjustment on the patient support deck 38after the patient has slipped or is in an otherwise uncomfortableposition.

The headboard assembly 60 may further comprise one or more retainers108. The retainers 108 may be arranged on the modular headboard sections100 (as shown), the headboard body 98, or any suitable location. Theretainers 108 may be configured to retain pillows and/or mattress 50.The retainers 108 may be made of a rubber-like membrane or othernon-slip material. The retainers 108 are described in more detail belowwith reference to FIG. 5B.

Alternative Headboard Assembly

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5C, front perspective and rear perspectiveviews of the headboard assembly 60 according to a third embodiment areshown. The headboard assembly 60 is coupled to the support structure 32in the same manner as previously described above for the otherembodiments. In the embodiment shown, the headboard assembly 60 iscoupled to the fowler section 40 and arranged adjacent to a head of thepatient when the patient is lying on the patient support deck 38 (seeFIG. 1A) such that the headboard assembly 60 moves in conjunction withthe fowler section 40. The headboard assembly 60 comprises a headboardbody 110 having a base portion 112 coupled to the fowler section 40. Theheadboard assembly 60 further comprises a barrier portion 114 extendingfrom the base portion 112. In other embodiments, the headboard assembly60 may be coupled to the base 34, support frame 36, or other suitablelocation on the patient support apparatus 30.

The headboard assembly 60 may further comprise one or more patienthandles 116 that are arranged to be grasped by the patient when thepatient is lying on the patient support deck 38. The patient handles 116may be arranged on the barrier portion 114 (as shown) or any othersuitable location. The patient handles 116 may optionally be used forholding physical therapy bands or restraints, or for management ofpatient lines such as oxygen and IV lines. The patient handles 116 maybe used by the patient for self-readjustment on the patient support deck38 after the patient has slipped or is in an otherwise uncomfortableposition.

Alternatively or in addition, the headboard assembly 60 may furthercomprise a separate line management loop or hook 118, which may be usedto retain and manage patient lines such as oxygen and IV lines. Thecaregiver interface 64 may be located at the base portion 112.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, a front perspective view of the headboardassembly according to the third embodiment illustrating operation ofretainers 120 is shown. It will be understood that this description alsoapplies to operation of retainers 94 and 108. In the embodiment shown,pillowcase fabric 113 is pushed into a front side of retainers 120 andpulled out through a back side of retainers 120. It will be understoodthat any fabric, such as sheets, mattress cover fabric, or even thepillow or mattress itself, may be retained by retainers 120 in place ofpillowcase fabric 113. The retainers 120 may be made of a rubber-likemembrane or other non-slip material such that once the fabric 113 ispulled through the retainers 120, the fabric 113 will remain in placeand must be removed by pulling forcibly by hand. This reduces patientdiscomfort caused by slipping and clumping of pillows, sheets, and otherlinens, which the patient may be physically unable to readjust withoutassistance from the caregiver or without causing significant pain and,in some cases, endangering the patient. Each of the retainers 120 shownin FIGS. 5A and 5B comprise a resilient membrane having a slit 121 forreceiving the material to be retained. The membrane is flexible toreceive the material through the slit 121 (by pushing the materialthrough the slit 121 on one side and/or pulling the material into theslit 121 on the other side). The membrane is configured so that the slit121 is normally closed in the absence of any material so that once thematerial is received in the slit 121, the slit 121 is biased against thematerial to retain the material in place.

In some embodiments, the headboard assembly 60 may include parallelretainers 120 in a stacked configuration to accommodate differingheights of materials (pillows, mattresses, or other bedding). In FIG.5C, the retainers 120 are shown in a stacked configuration, with acolumn of three retainers 120 on each side of headboard assembly 60. Byway of example, when material to be retained by the retainer 120 has agreater height, the top retainers 120 may be used, whereas when thematerial height is low, the bottom retainers 120 may be used. Differentretainers 120 in a column may be used to retain different layers atdifferent heights (e.g., one holds a pillow, one holds a mattress belowthe pillow, etc.). It will be understood that any number of retainers120 may be included in this stacked configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 5D, a partial side view of the headboard assembly60 and mattress 50 according to the third embodiment is shown. Retainers120 align with the mattress 50 at different heights (where the arrowindicates increasing height of the mattress 50). Depending on the heightof the mattress 50, one or more retainers 120 may be used. It will beunderstood that, as illustrated, mattress 50 is interchangeable with anymaterial to be retained by retainers 120 (bedding, pillows, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 5C, additional caregiver interfaces 64 may be connectedto or integrated into the headboard body 110 to provide caregivers withadditional locations to grasp and facilitate movement of the patientsupport apparatus 30. The caregiver interfaces 64, which are shown ashandles in FIG. 5C, can be especially useful when the fowler section 40is raised and the patient handles 116 are inaccessible to the caregiver,which may otherwise be used to manipulate and move the patient supportapparatus 30 when the fowler section 40 is lowered.

Advantages of these various embodiments include, for example, easy andergonomic access to the patient handles 92, 104, 116 which allows thepatient to readjust the patient's position on the patient support deck38 after the patient has slipped or is in an otherwise uncomfortableposition, without the assistance of a caregiver. Moreover, bed pendants(corded bed control devices) are attached to the fowler section 40 andmove with the patient when the fowler section 40 is articulated relativeto the support frame 36 and/or another section. When the headboardassembly 60 moves with the fowler section 40, the cord of the bedpendant does not get stretched and the bed pendant can move with thepatient. Additionally, the environment controls 84 allow the patient toadjust certain features, such as temperature, sound, and light, withoutthe assistance of a caregiver. Finally, patients may be able to chargetheir electronic devices from charging ports on the headboard assembly60. All of these features improve patient comfort.

It will be appreciated that all or any combination of the featuresdescribed in the above embodiments may be incorporated within a singleheadboard assembly 60.

It will be further appreciated that the terms “include,” “includes,” and“including” have the same meaning as the terms “comprise,” “comprises,”and “comprising.”

Several embodiments have been discussed in the foregoing description.However, the embodiments discussed herein are not intended to beexhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. Theterminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of wordsof description rather than of limitation. Many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teachings and theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A patient support apparatus comprising: a supportstructure including a base and a support frame; a patient support deckoperatively attached to the support frame and having a plurality of decksections including a fowler section arranged for movement relative tothe support frame; and a headboard assembly including: a headboard bodyoperatively attached to the fowler section for concurrent movement withthe fowler section relative to the support frame, a modular headboardsection, a mounting bracket coupled to the fowler section, anarticulating arm operatively attached to the mounting bracket at a firstend and supporting the modular headboard section at a second end formovement relative to the headboard body between a plurality ofconfigurations including a first configuration and a secondconfiguration different from the first configuration, and a receivershaped to receive the modular headboard section in a third configurationto at least partially limit movement of the modular headboard sectionrelative to the receiver in one or more degrees of freedom.
 2. Thepatient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the modular headboardsection is arranged to present a work surface for use by a caregiver inthe first configuration; and wherein the modular headboard section isarranged to present the work surface for use by a patient in the secondconfiguration.
 3. The patient support apparatus of claim 2, whereinmovement of the modular headboard section from the first configurationtowards the second configuration pivots the work surface byapproximately 90 degrees.
 4. The patient support apparatus of claim 2,wherein the work surface is arranged facing away from the base in thefirst configuration.
 5. The patient support apparatus of claim 4,wherein the work surface is arranged facing towards the headboard bodyin the second configuration.
 6. The patient support apparatus of claim1, wherein the modular headboard section is arranged for movement to astowed position disposed adjacent to the headboard body.
 7. The patientsupport apparatus of claim 1, wherein the modular headboard sectionincludes a handle arranged to be grasped by a patient during operationin the third configuration to facilitate patient egress.
 8. The patientsupport apparatus of claim 1, wherein the headboard assembly furtherincludes a first joint interposed between the mounting bracket and thearticulating arm to permit pivoting movement of the articulating armrelative to the fowler section between the plurality of configurations.9. The patient support apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first joint isa ball and socket joint.
 10. The patient support apparatus of claim 8,wherein the headboard assembly further includes a second jointinterposed between the modular headboard section and the articulatingarm to permit pivoting movement of the modular headboard sectionrelative to the articulating arm between the plurality ofconfigurations.
 11. The patient support apparatus of claim 10, whereinthe second joint is a ball and socket joint.
 12. The patient supportapparatus of claim 10, wherein the articulating arm includes a thirdjoint arranged between the first joint and the second joint to permitmovement of the first joint relative to the second joint.
 13. Thepatient support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a clip coupledto the modular headboard section for holding items.
 14. The patientsupport apparatus of claim 13, wherein the clip includes a biased clamppivotally mounted to the modular headboard section.
 15. The patientsupport apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receiver comprises a pocketsized for slidably receiving a bottom portion of the modular headboardsection to limit lateral movement of the modular headboard section. 16.The patient support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pair ofhead end side rails operatively attached to the support structure, withone of the pair of head end side rails defining the receiver.
 17. Thepatient support apparatus of claim 16, wherein the modular headboardsection is arranged laterally between the pair of head end side rails inthe first configuration.
 18. The patient support apparatus of claim 17,wherein the modular headboard section is arranged laterally between thepair of head end side rails in the second configuration.
 19. A patientsupport apparatus comprising: a support structure including a base and asupport frame; a patient support deck operatively attached to thesupport frame and having a plurality of deck sections including a fowlersection arranged for movement relative to the support frame; and aheadboard assembly including: a headboard body operatively attached tothe fowler section for concurrent movement with the fowler sectionrelative to the support frame, a modular headboard section, and anarticulating arm coupled to the support frame and supporting the modularheadboard section for movement relative to the headboard body between aplurality of configurations including a first configuration and a secondconfiguration different from the first configuration; and a pair of headend side rails operatively attached to the support structure, at leastone of the pair of head end side rails defining a receiver shaped toreceive the modular headboard section in a third configuration to atleast partially limit movement of the modular headboard section relativeto the receiver in one or more degrees of freedom.